AViiQ’s Portable Charging Station - One Plug For All

By Nancy Gravley

Aug 8th, 2011 2:00 PM EDT

I recently visited family members for several days, and my trip required that I carry my Mac, iPad, iPhone, Nano and Verizon MiFi. That meant five charging units also had to go with me. I wish I had had the AViiQ Portable Charging Station.

AViiQ’s Portable Charging Station

The problem I faced at my relatives home was lack of adequate wall plugs. They were almost all in use — lamps, toasters, TV, stereos, their computers and accessories, etc. I ended up charging things all over their house and almost forgot my Nano when I left. I seldom travel, but anyone who does should take a good look at this product.

The AViiQ Portable Charging Station can charge four USB devices simultaneously, including an iPad. One of the USB ports also serves as a data port that allows syncing while charging. There is a retractable USB cable that will connect to a Mac to facilitate the syncing activity.

Data port connection

The power adapter included with the product can provide up to 15W. Adaptors would be required for use outside the US. The product comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, and the MSRP for this product is US$79.99.

Using the product

The portable Charging Station presents in an attractive, heavy duty cardboard black box, which is inside the standard commercial packaging. Inside the black box is the sturdy nylon carrying case.

Carrying case

On the left side of the case is the power unit which is fastened in with a velcro strap for easy removal. The hub, while removable, is more securely attached to the case, the intention being that it is used within the case. However, since the retractable USB cable that is designed to connect to a computer is very short, there may be times when a user may want to remove it from the case for syncing. Below the hub’s four USB ports are four pockets that can be used to sort cables so they don’t intertwine with each other.

Hub and pockets

On the inside right side of the case is a large vertical pocket. On the outside of the case is a long, 10 x 4-in pocket, the length of the case.

This product is so easy to use. It’s plug and go. I still need my charging cables for my equipment, but I don’t need any power bricks (except for the Verizon MiFi and it fits into the pocket on the right side of the case). The charging cables roll up into tidy bands that fit into the pockets when not in use. I can take this anywhere inside a suitcase, a computer bag or even a large handbag.

Do I recommend it?

I do. It’s neat and tidy. It’s convenient. It accomplished several tasks at once, including data syncing. And, unlike other charging options of similar price, it has a zipper case that holds all the accessories you need.